Escalating Obsession [Completed]

[Razielle Alastor]

Two Years Ago - Davora Palace

It was a defect of many young girls, to do exactly as they were warned not to do. She had been playing the role of adored daughter for so long now that it almost seemed real. But in the end.. nothing was as it seemed. Despite being born into a royal family, these people, her "mother and father" were nothing to her. They didn't understand her motivations. They had no idea what drove her to the acts that they laughed off as teenage antics.

She played the part of diplomatic princess very well. She would entertain her father and his friends with demonstrations of her skill with a sword. They thought it nothing more than a fancy parlor trick at best, a disturbing anomaly at worst. A slip of a girl could best the lot of them into submission within minutes. Little did they know how often the thought crossed her mind to simply, with a flick of her wrist, give them an even better show..

No one saw her as anything more than a pretty face with a sword. Until he came. He was on official business with her father, but that was all she knew. As was typical, she had been asked to perform her trick against one of the guardsman. But this time when she disarmed her opponent, instead of an indulgent and condescending chuckle, she was met with silence. Her eyes dared to peek up at the man staring at her. He seemed..pleased. That won him a smile. A smile that her father later berated her for and told her to stay away from the man.. He wasn't for her.

Later that night, she had slipped from her room. She had every intention of leaving the palace that night, sick to death of being told who and who not to associate with. She'd find the man from that afternoon and ask to leave with him, wherever he was bound. But rather than searching him out, he had found her. He didn't whisper sweet nothings into her ears.. No.. what he did whisper was far more meaningful to her and far more seductive. In the moonlight, in a palace garden, they had planned the fall of the sovereign planet Davora.



Present

Rumors quickly made their way throught the galaxy about the small planet that had been yet another casualty in the recent war. No one knew exactly what had happened to Davora, mostly because there was nothing left of the planet and no one to ask. The sole survivor was the daughter of the king and queen, Razielle Shadana. She had fortuitously been off the planet at the time of its destruction, on a matter of commerce with Onderon's Queen, Adraudia, a childhood friend of Razielle's. Now Razielle would remain a ward of the Queen until she came of age, at twenty-one. Three years from now.

She arrived with very little fanfare. Disembarking the shuttle, she walked straight up to the man she hadn't seen, nor spoken to in two years, Salem Ave.

[Salem Ave]

It was only mid-morning, but Salem was a crisp dark suit regardless. He had come to greet the new arrival as he did every diplomat or ambassadorial representative from another planet, although this particular delegate was far from the usual fare.

“Princess Shadana,” he bowed his head, somewhat solemn. “My deepest sympathies for your recent losses. It is so... troubling that we have to meet again under such unfortunate circumstances.”

[Razielle Alastor]

A sad smile marred her features, then was gone as suddenly as it came. One could have wondered if it were.. genuine.

"A great loss, yes. Mother would have encouraged me to look not at my losses, but at the fates of others across the galaxy as well. I am not the only one who has suffered. Best not to dwell on it. "

She cast a glance about for a moment, then proceeded with the requisite small talk.

"It would seem you've done well for yourself... Mr. Ave."

[Salem Ave]

“Indeed.” Salem motioned that they should begin walking, so that he could take Razielle to meet with the Queen. “I have helped Onderon to become a more peaceful, stable and well-adjusted planet… and in turn, it has helped me.” This he said with a rather cold, knowing smile.

[Razielle Alastor]

Head held high, Razielle allowed Salem to lead on. She didn't smile at, or even bother to glance at anyone they had passed. She was the very somber, yet picturesque, image of a young girl mourning the loss of not only her family, but of the planet she had been raised on. Her reclusive demeanor was to be expected.

"And Her Majesty..? It would seem my old playmate has done rather well herself, in acquiring you as her advisor.. "

[Salem Ave]

Walking away from the landing strip, the pair followed the narrow walled walkway that would bring them into central Iziz. “We have accomplished a lot through our partnership. Her Majesty does have excellent judgment in her aides… for the most part.”

[Razielle Alastor]

For someone who had not been to Iziz in years, Razielle didn't seem too interested in taking in the sights and seeing the changes. Like everything else she came into contact with, there was a not-so-subtle detachment. The rest of their walk, she remained fairly silent, acknowledging anything Salem told her, but not replying. She was eager to meet with the Queen and get a sense of how her new guardian felt about having an orphaned heiress.. set on her doorstep.

[Salem Ave]

Their arrival at the Palace was expected. Guards had been dispatched upon Razielle’s arrival and having met with the two en route to the Royal residence, had escorted them post haste to the Queen. She was to meet with them in the long hall, in the west wing of the Palace. It was an elegantly constructed room, longer than it was wide, adorned with drapes and all the finery expected of a sovereign. It had been created at the whim of the previous monarch, who had requested a more luxurious parlor in which to entertain his guests.

“Please, sit,” Salem motioned to an expansive arm chair. There were three others like it, clustered neatly around an (unlit) open fire. It looked as though they might have been antiques, relics of some past dynasty. Were it not for his underlying arrogance, Salem might have felt somewhat profane in using such fine items as seats.

“The Queen should arrive momentarily.”

He smiled that same detached smile, watching as Razielle took in the sights. As royalty herself, such extravagance was nothing new, yet Salem was certain he could see a hint of admiration in her eyes – or was it longing? Perhaps it all reminded her of the home that she had lost. He watched as her eyes moved above the fireplace, to the painting that hung there. It depicted the royal family in a time when Adraudia had been little more than a girl, years prior to Salem’s arrival. He expected it too would bring back memories of a carefree childhood.

“…I’ve no doubt that the Queen will be elated to see you.”

[Razielle Alastor]

Sinking gracefully to the chair, Razielle sat with the rigid and proper posture expected. Spine straight, ankles crossed and tucked beneath the chair, hands folded demurely in her lap, she made a very genteel picture. Only her eyes moved, scanning her surroundings with much admiration.. and envy. She had lived in opulence like this her whole life, but it had been hers. It seemed a normal female reaction to feel out of place now that she was on anothers good will.

The Queen, no doubt, would do her very best to reassure Razielle that she was welcome and that this would be her home now as well. Indeed, it would be.. for a time. But Razielle was no charity case. She was an heiress and quite capable of handling her own affairs. The fact that she had not been able to break the arrangement, that her inherritence had placed her as a ward of Onderon's Queen, was only a slight delay.

She tried to think on her recollections of Adraudia. She remembered her from years past, but the carefree girls they had been no longer existed. They would find each other greatly changed.

“…I’ve no doubt that the Queen will be elated to see you.”

Her eyes drifted to Salem. "Yes.. No doubt. As I shall be pleased to see her."

[Adraudia Basillie]

The tragedy that had struck Davora left the Queen at a loss for words. The planet had a long-standing alliance with Onderon well before Adraudia's birth and well into her younger years. She often saw Razielle on either world, but as the threat of the Mandalorians grew, Adraudia had lost track of her old childhood companion. Both families felt the threat of the war and offered each other some ease of mind incase something unforeseen happened to the Basillie's or Shadana's.

Adraudia was crowned Queen at age sixteen while her mother was still alive so the agreement had become null when Ryssa Basillie had passed on. Razielle had no one, however. Adraudia would abide by the agreement laid down by their parents and take care of her old friend as promised.

She felt nervous. A feeling completely out of character for the Queen, but something she couldn't help either. Razielle couldn't have been more then eight or nine, since they last saw each other. They were princesses with few cares in the world and best of friends, almost sisters, despite the age difference. Now they were complete strangers and Adraudia hadn't the slightest clue as to what Razielle really thought about this arrangement. She would try and have her ward feel as comfortable as possible, but in truth, Adraudia would have to be just as cautious around Razielle as she was with Dalamar. Her closeted activities needed to remain secret.

Salem had already picked up Razielle from the spaceport and both were waiting for the Queen. She would seek his insight later in regards to her ward's motives when they were alone, but now it was time to greet her old playmate. She nodded to her hand picked guards, Jarelson and Dak, who escorted her directly to the west wing. She wanted Razielle to feel welcomed, not overwhelmed, and if it could have been allowed, Adraudia would have come alone.

There wasn't a big production as the Queen walked towards the pair still sitting, but her eyes remained fixated on Razielle, amazed at the visage of the young woman.

[Salem Ave]

Salem sensed the Queens approach. He looked up and saw that her eyes were firmly fixed on Razielle. Though Adraudia did not know it yet, the three of them shared a very subtle connection with one another. In time, he would speak with her of it, but at least for now he intended to leave the two women to the formalities that were due.

“Your majesty,” he rose to his feet, bowing slightly. “Shall I leave you and the Princess to reacquaint yourselves? I’ve no doubt there is something I can busy myself with.”

[Razielle Alastor]

And there she was.. the Queen. Razielle watched Adraudia's approach with fascination. As she had suspected, gone was the carefree girl, in her place stood a regal woman fit to be a Queen. Trailing in her wake were two guards. Their presence didn't seem to bother Adraudia, whereas Razielle had hated her guardians with a passion. Never a free moment..

“....Shall I leave you and the Princess to reacquaint yourselves? I’ve no doubt there is something I can busy myself with.”

It would seem that Mr. Ave was deserting her already, but perhaps he was right. Maybe the two friends needed nothing more than time to break the ice that time had settled around them. Razielle rose and dipped into a picture perfect curtsey, head.. but not eyes lowered.

"Your Majesty.."

[Adraudia Basillie]

“....Shall I leave you and the Princess to reacquaint yourselves? I’ve no doubt there is something I can busy myself with.”

Adraudia's gaze fell upon Salem, a small smile of gratitude forming. "If you would not mind."

"Your Majesty..."

Her smile grew ever so slightly, "Razielle," but quickly it faded by the reasons for their meeting. "I wish we could have been reunited under better circumstances."

She turned towards her guards, "Please be kind enough to accompany Salem from the west wing. I wish time to speak with the Princess privately."

Dak tried to intercede but you could hear defeat in his tone already, "But, my Queen, the General's orders..."

"Are to be at my side until ordered otherwise," she replied sternly. "You can keep me in your eyesight’s easily enough from afar. Was why I chose this as our place of meeting."

It was hard to argue her foresight but it was clear the guardsman did not like the idea of being away from Adraudia. He relented, "As her Majesty wishes." Forearm to chest, Dak bowed to his Queen and both guards waited for Salem.

[Salem Ave]

Without any further adieu, Salem departed within the Generals guards in tow. Truthfully, he would have liked to stay and observe what occurred between the royal twosome – however he was sure that he would be able to glean such information from conversations with Adraudia and Razielle later on.

[Razielle Alastor]

Watching Salem walk away with the guards, Razielle wondered briefly if she was being divided and conquered? Certainly not. Nobody living had any inkling that their connection was anything other than a formality. At any rate, such tactics rarely worked on her. Adraudia would know that. Having both been raised at court they were experts at being evasive and diplomatic when the occaision called for it.

Today definitely called for it.

Taking the initiative, she stepped forward and placed a sisterly kiss on Adraudia's cheek, first one then the other. Taking her hands in her own. "I had been meaning to visit you many times, Your Majesty. I also wish that it was under happier circumstance that I were here now. "

Stepping back, Razielle made a gesture with her empty hands. "Unfortunately I didn't bring the miniature tea set from our years past, what a soiree we could have held..."

[Adraudia Basillie]

A light smile graced the Queen's face, remembering the twelve piece set fondly. It was specially hand crafted for Razielle and the soft blue colorations were painstaking painted over the white porcelain. The two of them would act out countless receptions, having their dolls and stuffed animals be the guests.

A welcomed memory from much simpler times.

"I do remember it fondly and of the happy times we shared together," the Queen extended a hand towards the chair Razielle had been sitting in and then took over the one Salem had abandoned. "And despite how we have found each other again, I hope that we can become the friends we once were over time."

The Princess had more then enough condolences that began a conversation. Adraudia would rather let Razielle guide the conversation and bring up necessary formalities when there was a place for them, instead of forcing them upon the young woman.

[Razielle Alastor]

Once more taking her seat, Razielle's tone sombered a notch. She ran her fingertips over the delicate upholstery of the chair, meeting Adraudia's eyes.

"Let me begin this renewed friendship with honesty. At first, I did not want to come here to be thrown upon your mercy. " Razielle raised her fingers a bit, a plea to be allowed to finish what she had to say.

"I don't wish to be a burden, and I know that you don't see the situation like that. Despite the age agreed upon by our families, I am quite capable of looking after myself. But I also want you to know, I have changed my mind.."

"I think that the impulses of my age would lead me to rash behavior. Perhaps being here on Onderon, with my good friend to guide me, is exactly where I need to be. I think my parents knew that. I see no reason to dishonor their wishes, at least not without giving this situation a fair run."

"I would like to think of this as home now. It is why before arriving I had my inherritance transfered to financiers in Iziz. I think with our families combined prosperity we can truely combat the wars that have done so much damage in our lives."

Feeling sort of silly for going on that way, Razielle allowed a small blush to stain her cheeks and she fell silent, awaiting a response.

[Adraudia Basillie]

The Queen had thought discussing the necessities of their parents arrangement would have happened later, but Adraudia was pleasantly taken aback by Razielle's honesty and maturity, though her old friend felt somewhat embarrassed by her speech.

"Your parents would be proud," she said firmly, "of how you are handling yourself and I am greatly pleased that your mind is open to the situation forced between us.

I've already spoken to the entire household personally of your presence here and anyone treating you simply as a guest will have to answer to me." The Queen smiled, allowing herself a quick chuckle, "But, I've a feeling that won't be necessary."

She hated to change the subject so abruptly when the conversation was going so smoothly, but this was important. "I must admit my surprise, though a pleasant one it is, in the decision to transfer your holdings here. I know that it wasn't necessary but I thank you for the gesture. I just wish that it could have been done under a peaceful rule without the continued threat of the Mandalorians looming nearby."

Her voice lowered in determination, "But I promise you, as I do my people, that they will pay for their crimes and we will win our home back."

[Razielle Alastor]

Razielle smiled, one of those rare and genuine smiles that went all the way, reaching to her oddly hued eyes. "On a brighter note, I've been told that Onderon has recently been doing very well. Has her Majesty figured out a new political stratagem or just enjoying wise rule?"

It was an obtrusive topic, Razielle knew, but it wasn't brought up with any desire to be privvy to court secrets. It was more of a desire to know if her suspicions regarding the absent, Salem Ave were correct. It seemed he had a hand in many goings on. Just exactly how many was anyones guess.

[Adraudia Basillie]

She smiled, not out of arrogance but out of pride. A fine line to walk but the Queen worked hard to portray a gentle confidence to her people. "A bit of both, but I cannot discount the counsel from Mr. Ave and the General in helping me to make appropriate decisions."

Her frown faded as her thoughts turned towards the war, "I just wish the fighting would end, then the work I've done in establishing good relations in the nearby systems could be more fruitful."

[Razielle Alastor]

"Ahh.. Mr. Ave. He did seem a bit put out when you requested your privacy. I can see why now, how can he advise you if you send him away."

Razielle gave a throaty little laugh and relaxed her rigid posture into a more comfortable one. She crossed her legs and sat back in the chair, scandalous behavior, but then they were alone..

"I haven't met the illustrious General, but I have heard of him. It sounds like your staff truly has Onderon's best wishes at heart. I can only hope my presence here can also bolster your progress, I would hate to hinder it in any way."

[Adraudia Basillie]

The only recognition of Razielle's shift in posture was a curious brow twitch. Not because of what the Princess had done, but because she was feeling at ease around Adraudia.

That pleased the Queen, "Nonsense, and I don't want you thinking that ever again. Your presence will give Onderon something good to speak about. Eventually, they'll see you as one of them. I would not worry."

Adraudia glanced at the ornate grandfather clock that was set against the northern wall. It was close to noontime. The Princess was probably tired of sitting, especially from her long journey and if Adraudia recalled correctly, Davora ran on a similar standard day as Onderon.

She rose to her feet, "We should finish our discussion on the way to the dining hall. The servants should have lunch prepared shortly. That is if you are hungry, Princess?"

[Razielle Alastor]

Her stomach chose that precise moment to let out a rather unseemly gurgle at the mention of food. At first blushing and then laughing like she hadn't in years, Razielle stood up.

"Apparently I'm famished! I'll let you lead on, Your Majesty, luncheon sounds divine."

Trailing beside her longtime friend as if the years hadn't seperated them, Razielle began to feel the tension slowly uncoil from her spine. This may work out very well indeed. All was going exactly as it had been designed to. As they left the room, Razielle's gaze slowly darted about as if looking for someone, though she made sure it was unseen. She expected that her benefactor would arrive back on the scene soon enough.

[Salem Ave]

As if on cue, Salem seemed to appear out of thin air. His sudden arrival was not, however, startling. He had a disarming charm about him that smoothed over most grievances and would have set the Royals minds at ease had they not already known the source of his rather unusual appeal. He met the pair just as they were about to enter the dining hall and motioned that they should enter before him.

“I hope you find the local cuisine to your liking,” he remarked, as the three seated themselves at what could only be described as a gargantuan table. Curteous, Salem pulled out chairs for both Queen and Princess before taking his own. The Queen headed the table, with Salem at her right hand and Razielle at her left. His solid white eyes drifted back and forth between the two women unobtrusively, leaving them to carry on their conversation if they so wished.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Several servants came quickly to poor them wine and garnished the table with small delectable appetizers while the cook began preparing a fresh lunch for the trio.

"Frey is an exquisite chef. Perhaps you remember him?" She smiled fondly in remembrance, "Surely you recall the countless time we snuck in for treats."

Adraudia chuckled lightly, "And the one time he caught us..."

[Razielle Alastor]

Accepting the glass of wine, Razielle reached to pluck a ripe red berry from one of the hors d'oeuvres laden plates. She took a dainty bite of the fruit first, then a small tentative sip of the wine. Finding both pleasing to her palate she settled into her seat and got cozy.

"Yes. Hello again, Frey. Last time we met I believe I was being properly chastised for first deflating your pudding masterpiece, then setting the kitchen aflame when I tried to make amends by turning it flambe.. I am terribly sorry about that, but I see you managed to keep your post after all! "

A mischievous look came over Razielle. She couldn't help but torture the poor chef, he was turning such a becoming shade of flushed. "I was thinking of taking up pastry making as a hobby. Perhaps I'll stop by the kitchens here and practice.."

Dabbing at her lips with a snowy white linen napkin, she risked a sidelong glance at their thus far, silent observer, Mr. Ave. He had missed her antics as a spoiled child. But he had been around to see the end results, how she had turned out.

[Salem Ave]

The tedium of such small talk was not beyond Salem. Though he had spent many years entertaining such vapid discussions, becoming nothing short of a master of it, he was still not entirely immune to it. Of course it was a necessity, but a frustrating one at best. There was much to discuss with both the Queen and the Princess.

“If it pleases your Majesty, I though the Princess might appreciate a tour of the grounds this afternoon. It’s been some time since we took in the Palace… I’m sure it would do us all the world of good to get some fresh air.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

She hummed pleasantly at the thought of that, "I believe Mr. Ave has read my mind again."

The Queen toyed at her Advisor, "It's been a rather tedious week for me here. Cooped up mostly in meetings and such. I've barely been able to make it to the courtyard. Would this notion be pleasing to you, Princess?"